Heated hair-straightening brush

ABSTRACT

A hair-straightening brush comprising a base and a plurality of pairs of heated surfaces positioned along the base closely together to tightly engage user&#39;s hair therebetween to modify structure of the hair from curly to straight by moving the brush along the engaged hair. The heated surfaces may be defined by heated filaments extending from the base and operatively connected to a heating element within the brush. In some embodiments, the heated surfaces are defined by heated strips extended from the base and operatively connected to a heating element within the brush.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for temporarily straightening curly hair and reducing such hair condition commonly known as frizz.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Straightening one's naturally curly hair typically takes a large amount of time and requires the use of multiple tools. However, naturally curly hair that has been temporary straightened return to the original curly structure when exposed to high humidity. Therefore, it is desirable to have a portable device for straightening hair in the event of exposure to high humidity such as rain, snow or other conditions which cause elevated humidity in the air. It is desirable to have a hair-straightening tool that permits quick retouching of one's naturally curly hair to correct the effects of high humidity and return hair to the desirable straight structure in a brief period of time throughout the day.

There have been few devices available that have been made with the intention to solve the aforementioned problems. One kind of such devices are small-size cordless straightening irons such as that shown in FIG. 12. However, while such devices are portable and readily operable without the need for a power outlet, the use of straightening irons takes a significant amount of time which may not be available to a person with a busy schedule. Some other products that have been advertised as facilitating the straightening of one's hair are simply different kinds of brushes, such as those shown in FIG. 13. Any of such brushes by itself would not sufficiently straighten naturally curly hair. Some other devices for straightening hair are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,362,823 and 4,860,775. These devices, however, fall short at allowing quick on-the-go touch up of naturally curly hair to maintain the desired temporary straight structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved hair-straightening brush including groupings of protrusions extending from a base. Each grouping includes at least two heated surfaces positioned to engage a user's hair therebetween to modify structure of the hair from curly to straight by moving the brush along the engaged hair. The heated surfaces may be operatively connected to a heating element disposed within the brush. The heating element may be configured for cordless operation. The heating element may be operated by a rechargeable energy source built into the brush.

The heated surfaces may be defined by heated filaments extending from the base. Some embodiments have a plurality of protrusions extending from a base and defining pairs of surfaces positioned to engage user's hair tightly therebetween. The base supports a plate operatively connected to the heating element and is heated during operation, the plurality of protrusions extending from the plate.

In some embodiments, the heating element is operatively connected to a heated plate on the base. In some of such embodiments, the heated surfaces are defined by heated filaments extending from the heated plate. The base may support the plate operatively connected to the heating element and is heated during operation. In some of such embodiments, the plurality of protrusions extend from the plate. In some versions the plate and the protrusions are formed by a single-piece structure. The heated base plate and the heated filaments may have ceramic surfaces.

In certain embodiments, each grouping has more than two heated filaments which together define more than one pair of heated surfaces positioned closely together for engaging hair therebetween.

Each of the heated filaments has a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end may be secured with respect to the base such that the free end is movable with respect to the base, thereby facilitating engagement of the user's hair. Each heated filament may have a heat-insulating cover on the free end. In each grouping, the fixed ends of at least two heated filaments may be in contact with each other. The free ends of such heated filaments are closely spaced for passage of the user's hair therebetween.

In some embodiments, the heated surfaces are defined by a plurality of heated strips. Each of the heated strips defines at least two heated surfaces and is operatively connected to the heating element disposed within the brush. The heated strips extend from the heated plate.

In certain versions, the at least two heated surfaces are substantially planar. In some of such versions the heated filaments have a substantially polygonal cross-section with a plurality of substantially planar heated surfaces.

In some versions, the heated filaments have a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

The heated base plate and the heated filaments have ceramic surfaces. Some embodiments may further include non-heated bristles facilitating straightening of the hair.

Some embodiments of the present invention further include a handle supporting keys controlling operation of the heating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of straightening curly hair with a pair of heated surfaces in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a grouping of protrusions with pairs of heated surfaces shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of an embodiment of a hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic end view of the hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic fragmentary plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 h are schematic fragmentary perspective views of exemplary configurations of groupings of protrusions of the hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 10 a-10C are schematic fragmentary views of exemplary configurations of groupings of protrusions in the hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are schematic perspective views of exemplary configurations of protrusions of the hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 11 c is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary configuration of a grouping of protrusions of the hair-straightening brush in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a prior hair-straightening iron.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of examples of prior hair brushes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, is a hair-straightening brush 10. Brush 10 is shown as a paddle brush including a base 12 and a plurality of protrusions 14 which extend from base 12 and define a plurality of pairs 13 of surfaces 14 positioned closely together to tightly engage user's hair 100 therebetween. A heating element may be disposed within brush 10 and be operatively connected to each pair 13 of surfaces 14. During operation each of surfaces 14 is heated to modify structure of engaged hair 100 from curly to straight by moving brush 10 therealong, as schematically shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2-6 and 8-11 illustrate some embodiments of hair-straightening brush 10 as having a plurality of pairs 13 of heated surfaces 14 positioned along base 12 closely together to tightly engage user's hair 100 therebetween. Heated surfaces 14 are operatively connected to the heating element disposed within brush 10.

In some examples, hair-straightening brush 10 has a plurality of groupings 15 of protrusions 18 extending from base 12. Each of such groupings 15 includes at least two heated surfaces 14 positioned closely together to tightly engage user's hair 100 therebetween.

FIG. 4 best shows an exemplary embodiment of hair-straightening brush 10 including a heated plate 20 on base 12. Heated plate 20 is operatively connected to the heating element.

In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, heated surfaces 14A are defined by heated filaments 17 extending from heated plate 20.

FIGS. 3, 6 and 9 c illustrate versions of heated filaments 17A having a substantially cylindrical cross-section, as schematically shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9 g. FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 a-f and 9 h illustrate alternative embodiments with heated filaments 17B having a substantially polygonal cross-section each forming a plurality of substantially planar heated surfaces.

Each grouping 15 may have more than two heated filaments 17 which together define more than one pair 13 of heated surfaces 14 positioned closely together for engaging hair 100 therebetween.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 illustrate examples of certain embodiments in which each heated filament 17 has a free end 22 with a heat-insulating cover 24 thereon to protect users skin from burning upon accidental contact with heated surfaces. Heat-insulating covers 24 may be a coating on free end 22 of the respective heated filament 17. Such coating may be silicone or other suitable material. Alternatively, heat-insulating covers may be separate pieces of suitable material affixed to the free end of the corresponding heated filament.

The heated base plate and the heated filaments may be made from a suitable heat-conductive material. Some embodiments of the heated base plate and the heated filaments may have ceramic surfaces.

FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate some versions of the hair-straightening brush in which each grouping 15 includes a set of non-heated bristles 26 facilitating straightening of hair 100. Non-heated bristles 26 may be of a suitable heat-safe materials such as boar hair for separating hair in a strand to facilitate straightening. The inventive brush may also include silicone strips and ion-emitting materials or devices which facilitate flattening of the hair cuticle layer and also reduce frizz.

Each of the heated filaments has free end 22 and a fixed end 23. In some embodiments, fixed end 23 is secured with respect to base 12 such that free end 22 is movable with respect to base 12 to facilitate engagement of the user's hair. In some of such embodiments, the fixed ends of at least two heated filaments in each grouping are in contact with each other. The free ends of such heated filaments are closely spaced for passage of the user's hair therebetween.

In certain embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, heated surfaces 14 are defined by a plurality of heated strips 19. Each of strips 19 defines at least two heated surfaces and each is operatively connected to the heating element disposed within the brush. FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 11 a-11 e illustrate examples of the at least two heated surfaces 14B being substantially planar. FIG. 10 c shows an example of heated strips 19A which define non-planar heated surfaces 14C.

In some embodiments, each heated strip has a fixed end secured with respect to the base and extending therefrom to a free end. The free end may be movable with respect to the fixed end and/or with respect to the base. The fixed ends of at least two adjacent heated strips may be in contact with each over.

In some examples, each heated strip has the heat-insulating cover on the respective free end. Such heat-insulating cover may be in the form of a coating of a suitable material such as silicone. Such coating may be silicone or other suitable material. Alternatively, heat-insulating covers may be separate pieces of suitable material affixed to the free end of the corresponding heated strip.

In certain embodiments, the heated strips extend from the heated plate. The heated base plate and the heated strips may be made from a suitable heat-conductive material. The heated plate and the heated strips may have ceramic surfaces.

In certain embodiments like that shown in FIG. 5, heated surfaces 14 may be non-movably secured with respect to the base. In some of such versions, the filaments of the strips which define the heated surfaces may be integrally formed with the heated plate of the base.

In some examples the heated surfaces may extend from the base for about ½ inch. The filaments and/or strips which define the heated surface may have a cross-sectional dimension of about 1/16 inch

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, hair-straightening brush 10 also has a handle 16 supporting keys which control operation of heating element 20. Such control keys may include an “on” key 32 and an “off” key 34 for turning heating element 20 on and off. Brush 10 may also be programmed such that heating element 20 is automatically shut-off in a set amount of time such as fifteen minutes. Such set amount of time may be adjustable by the user or set my a manufacturer. Such automatic shut-off provides desirable safety in the event the user forgets to turn the heating element off and places brush 10 into a flammable environment for storage or transportation, such as one's purse or a car compartment.

The control keys may also include a locking key 36 which when pushed together with a selected one of the other keys would lock or unlock all of the keys for operation. One example of such combination may be locking key 36 with “on” key 32 which when pushed simultaneously, unlock all of the other keys for operation. The control keys may be automatically locked when heating element 20 is shut-off to avoid accidental activation of heating element 20 with an unintended application of pressure on handle 16 of brush 10. Locking key 36 may be labeled with a chosen trade name for brush 10 or the name of the manufacturer.

An “on” mode of the heating element and the brush may be shown by illumination of the “on” light indicator which may be separately located on the brush or be built into the “on” key 32.

Inventive brush 10 may be accompanied by with a heat-resistant case so that the user may simply place brush 10 into the case once she/he is done using the brush to avoid any damage while surfaces 14 are still hot.

Heating element 20 may be configured for cordless operation. In some of such examples, heating element 20 is operated by a rechargeable energy source inside brush 10. One of such rechargeable energy sources may be a rechargeable battery inside brush 10 which can be charged through a charging port 38 which may be located at the tip of handle 16 as shown in FIG. 7. Charging port 38 may be a Micro USB port of the kind used for cellular phones which would provide a convenience of using the same charging station and wiring as for one's cellular phone.

Brush 10 may also include a charge-indicator light 40 to show when the battery reached a full charge. Charge-indicator light 40 may be located on handle 16 as seen in FIG. 6.

It should be understood that it is also within the scope of the present invention to have a heating element configured for connection to a conventional power-source outlet.

While the principles of the invention have been shown and described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such embodiments are by way of example and are not limiting. 

1. A hair-straightening brush comprising groupings of protrusions extending from a base, each grouping including at least two heated surfaces positioned to engage user's hair therebetween to modify structure of the hair from curly to straight by moving the brush along the engaged hair.
 2. The hair-straightening brush of claim 1 wherein the heated surfaces are operatively connected to a heating element disposed within the brush.
 3. The hair-straightening brush of claim 2 wherein the heating element is configured for cordless operation.
 4. The hair-straightening brush of claim 2 wherein the heating element is operatively connected to a heated plate on the base, the heated surfaces being defined by heated filaments extending from the heated plate.
 5. The hair-straightening brush of claim 4 wherein the heated base plate and the heated filaments have ceramic surfaces.
 6. The hair-straightening brush of claim 4 wherein each grouping has more than two heated filaments which together define more than one pair of heated surfaces positioned closely together for engaging hair therebetween.
 7. The hair-straightening brush of claim 5 wherein each heated filament has a free end with a heat-insulating cover thereon.
 8. The hair-straightening brush of claim 1 wherein the heated surfaces are defined by heated filaments extending from the base.
 9. The hair-straightening brush of claim 8 wherein each of the heated filaments has a free end and a fixed end which is secured with respect to the base such that the free end is movable with respect to the base, thereby facilitating engagement of the user's hair.
 10. The hair-straightening brush of claim 9 wherein, in each grouping, the fixed ends of at least two heated filaments are in contact with each other, the free ends of such heated filaments being closely spaced for passage of the user's hair therebetween.
 11. A hair-straightening brush comprising a base and a plurality of pairs of heated surfaces positioned along the base for engaging user's hair therebetween to modify structure of the hair from curly to straight by moving the brush along the engaged hair.
 12. The hair-straightening brush of claim 11 wherein the heated surfaces are defined by a plurality of heated strips each defining at least two heated surfaces and each operatively connected to a heating element disposed within the brush.
 13. The hair-straightening brush of claim 12 wherein the at least two heated surfaces are substantially planar.
 14. The hair-straightening brush of claim 11 wherein the heating element is operatively connected to a heated plate on the base, the heated strips extending from the heated plate.
 15. The hair-straightening brush of claim 14 further including non-heated bristles facilitating straightening of the hair.
 16. A hair-straightening brush comprising: a plurality of protrusions extending from a base and defining pairs of surfaces positioned to engage user's hair tightly therebetween; and a heating element operatively connected to the surfaces such that during operation each pair of surfaces is heated to modify structure of the hair engaged therebetween from curly to straight by moving the brush therealong.
 17. The hair-straightening brush of claim 16 wherein the heating element is configured for cordless operation.
 18. The hair-straightening brush of claim 17 wherein the heating element is operated by a rechargeable energy source built into the brush.
 19. The hair-straightening brush of claim 16 wherein the base supports a plate operatively connected to the heating element and is heated during operation, the plurality of protrusions extending from the plate.
 20. The hair-straightening brush of claim 16 further comprising a handle supporting keys controlling operation of the heating element. 